President Barack Obama sang an emotional rendition of "Amazing Grace" during his eulogy deliverance at Rev. Clementa Pinckney's funeral in Charleston, South Carolina on Friday.
Also a state senator, Rev. Pinckney was among a total of nine churchgoing victims that found themselves amidst a tragic shooting at the hands of Dylann Roof in the Emmanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church — the same building the funeral was held in. The 21-year-old shooter has a long listed history of violence, racism and hatred, motivating his life-threatening actions to the often-targeted southern city.
"If we can find that grace, anything is possible," Obama told the crowd. "If we can tap that grace, everything can change."
As an intense moment of silence came to an end, Obama broke out into an acapella version of "Amazing Grace," later being joined by the choir, musicians and funeral attendees. Following the delivery, the president named all nine victims, stating that they've each individually "found that grace." He concluded with, "May God continue to shed his grace on the United States of America."
Musicians took to the stage at Delaware's Firefly Festival last weekend to voice their opinions on the racial matter at hand. Former Beatle Paul McCartney dedicated "The Long and Winding Road" while Killer Mike of Run The Jewels spoke about the terrifying event before performing "A Christmas F*cking Miracle." The rapper also took to Twitter to further express his emotions.